SNOW HILL, NC (AP) — The federal agency charged with helping recovery efforts in the wake of disasters wants to show NorthCarolinians how to make houses better able to withstand damage from major storms.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will show off what it calls the “DAWG HAUS” starting Thursday at the Sweet PotatoFestival in Snow Hill, an annual event expected to draw 25,000 people over three days.

FEMA workers built the wooden house as a model to show the benefits of storm-resistant construction methods. The housedemonstrates how connectors, straps and ties at key joints can shift the pressure of high winds from the roof to the sturdierfoundation.

The house’s nickname stands for “Disaster Avoidance With Good Home Attenuating Unionization System.”

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Out of 6,000 pictures Mike Melnotte’s photo of his daughter has won its category and made the final six in the 2011 Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest.

Melnotte says the competition has been a fun ride.

“Pictures of your kids, you always think there is something special to those,” Melnotte said. “There was just something about the fact that such a small creature was involved that kind of added a little bit extra and having her hold still, the angle was a little bit different. So it’s just something nice that came together.”

The picture is of his daughter Rachel, who has a lady-bug crawling across the frame of her glasses. It won the family and community category of the contest, and for that Melnotte received a $1,000 prize package including camera equipment. His family may be eyeing a little more.

“I’ve been like really excited,” Rachel said. “I’ve always had this big dream of being on TV or in a newspaper or magazine or something. It’s just really exciting for me to probably be in a magazine, and I really hope my dad will win.”

If they win, Rachel’s face will be in an Energizer ad in National Geographic magazine. They also will receive a trip for two to either Alaska, Morocco or Bhutan. Carol Melnotte is hoping to perhaps get a little sun.

“I’m hoping for Morocco,” Carol said.

Their fate is now in the hands of National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson who judges the final six contestants.

Regardless of whatever happens, the Melnottes feel pretty blessed.

“Being chosen was great,” Mike said. “Having won the category is even better. If I can go even further with the grand prize that would be fantastic, but we’ll see.”

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington will host an iron man triathlon this weekend, but it could also soon be home to the latest edition of the “Iron Man” movie franchise.

Gov. Bev Perdue has scheduled a 2:30 p.m. news conference for “an economic development announcement.” The event is slated for 1223 N. 23rd Street, which happens to be the address of Screen Gems Studios.

Sources told our affiliate station WTVD in Raleigh “Iron Man 3” will likely film in Wilmington and an announcement could come as early as today. Sources said the deal had not been signed as of last night.